Clothing vendors display secondhand apparel and original patterned shirts during Thrift Thursday outside the University Memorial Center on the University of Colorado Boulder campus Oct. 22. (Pauline Rawson/CU Boulder)
Thrifty Thursdays Offers CU Boulder students affordable secondhand shopping
By Danielle Nguyen
Thrifty Thursdays gives University of Colorado Boulder students an opportunity to shop for affordable secondhand clothing, handmade apparel and accessories from local vendors outside the University Memorial Center each week.
For many students, the costs associated with college extend beyond tuition. CU Boulder estimates undergraduate students living off campus spend approximately $18,540 annually on housing and food, while students living on campus may spend about $19,242.
Thrifty Thursdays regularly has more than 10 vendors and is designed to make everyday necessities more accessible. CU Boulder freshman Jayden Rapiz said the event has become a useful option for finding affordable items while adjusting to college expenses.
“I just got a few pairs of earrings and a couple of shirts for $40, which is nice because if I were to go to a regular store or mall it would have been a lot more, I’m guessing maybe around $100,” said Rapiz.
Students attending the event said affordability was one of the main reasons they chose to participate. Some vendors also offer specials, such as two items for $25, helping students stretch their budgets. Vendors said the event also encourages students to give secondhand clothing a new life.
“I love seeing people pick out great clothing options, especially how they style them afterward. You can see secondhand goods are still useful,” said Aidan Ellwood, a CU Boulder student and vendor behind Aido Vintage.
While some students regularly attend the event, others are still unfamiliar with it.
“To be honest, I’ve walked past it multiple times, not knowing what was going on,” said Marco Castillo Delgaldo, a CU Boulder junior.
After learning more about Thrifty Thursdays, Castillo Delgaldo said its focus on affordable secondhand items caught his attention. “Now that you said it is a thrift-like store for students, I’m going to have to check it out to see if I can find some good stuff and save money.”
While the event serves as a resource for some students, greater awareness could help expand its reach. As financial concerns continue for many CU Boulder students, Thrifty Thursdays offers an affordable alternative to traditional retail shopping.
